Anambra 2025: Coalition picks APC governorship nomination forms for Obiora Okonkwo Anambra

An interest group, Anambra Coalition for Progressives Change, on Wednesday, purchased the APC governorship expression of interest and nomination forms for a Political Economist and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.

The group, led by its National Leader, Chief Cyril Ezeani, purchased the forms at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja.

Ezeani, while speaking after obtaining the forms, decried the current state of insecurity in Anambra, saying that the state needed a competent and committed individual to salvage the situation.

He claimed that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo had not delivered on his campaign promises, saying that the state lacked security and other infrastructures.

“Soludo has not given us what we want; the state is not leaving up to expectations and we know that Prof. Okonkwo with high pedigree can take the state to higher levels.

“We went to him and convinced him to join the Anambra governorship race because we know that in him is the weight of knowledge to take us to greater heights.

“And to show our seriousness, we contributed money to pick the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms for him to contest the governorship election.

“We know that he is the right candidate to liberate Anambra; that is why we put resources together to get him the party’s forms, with hope that by the grace of God, he will be the state’s next governor,” Ezeani said.

According to him, Anambra has been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent times, including insecurity, kidnapping and other anti-social vices.

Ezeani said that Soludo’s perceived fight against insecurity in the state was only targeted at getting elected for the second term.

According to Ezeani, Okonkwo, the President of Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is the right person to liberate Anambra from its current state of insecurity and under-development.

Okonkwo, while receiving the forms from the coalition’s leader, expressed confidence that he would emerge as candidate in the forthcoming APC governorship primary.

Okonkwo described himself as the candidate to beat in the governorship primary.

“You have just presented to me a great gift of N50 million which is the cost of the forms. As you can see, I am full of smiles and I am encouraged.

“For those who haven’t joined this coalition, this is a wake-up call,” he said.

Okonkwo said he was impressed by the coalition’s gesture which, he noted, was an affirmation of their confidence in his capacity to govern the state.

He said he was aware of the huge amount of money being thrown around to ensure that he did not get the APC governorship ticket.

“The incumbent governor knows he can’t square up with me on the election day. I have picked the form and I am prepared for the battle. To all traditional institutions, religious leaders, the time is now.

“I am from Anambra Central; the votes are domiciled in Ndemili North, I am the leader of Ndemili North and South. So, the votes are guaranteed.

“I am prepared for the battle; the time is now. We may not have what it takes to control the ticket, but we know that with the ticket in our hands, we will win Anambra for APC.

Okonkwo said that he was encouraged, as members of the coalition had proved that they would match their words with actions by purchasing the forms for him.

“Indeed, you have shown that you are not just behind me, but beside me,” he said.

While praying God to replenish the pockets of members of the coalition, he called on well- spirited people in the state to join its fold.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed Anambra governorship election for Nov. 8. (https: newsatlarge.ng)